Mama Monday: Interview with Anna of Silly Rhino

It's Monday and that means another interview with a mompreneuer! This week are are talking to Anna, the owner and founder of Silly Rhino. Silly Rhino is one of the newest and hottest kids' subscription boxes out there!!!For only $33.99, this box is a wonderful value each month! 

1. What inspired you to start Silly Rhino?

As soon as I had my first child, I knew I wanted the safest, high quality and, at the same time, fun toys and things surrounding him. We have always tried to be an eco-friendly household, but more so after we had children. My husband and I live in a typical medium sized town in Louisiana together with our boys - Luka, who is 3.5 years old and Sergi, who is 2. Most shopping here is done at a few typical big-box stores, found in every town in America and sometimes I did not feel that I could find a good selection of such safe and high quality things for my sons.

I am a researcher by nature. Before any important decision, trip or purchase, I put in hours of research until I feel comfortable that I know enough. So, naturally, when it came to my children, my researcher nature went into overdrive - after I put children to bed, I spent my nights online, exploring number of web-sites, weeding through all the choices and reading countless reviews. I felt that this might be overwhelming for new parents, who are sleep deprived, don't have enough time and energy to do all this research, but still want safe, well-built and cool toys, gear and other things for their children, all while getting a good value. So I decided to create a service for parents - they can enjoy their time with their kids while we do all the work for them, and they can be assured that once a month they will receive a curated selection of trusted, quality products that are fun for kids. We strive to introduce families to brands that are not widely available at their local stores, we are a discovery service after all.

2. How do you balance work and family?

I will be honest - it is not easy. Running a successful business is rewarding in all aspects, but it takes long hours and a firm commitment. I feel like a good support system is paramount and my husband has been my rock in this endeavor (I cannot go without mentioning his mad graphic skills here, all the informational cards included in each box that everybody likes so much are his handy work). My children are also so helpful in market research, they make excellent critics. So, when we are trying out a test toy, or reading a book together to see if it might be a good fit for our subscribers, it does not feel like I am working. I am spending fun time with my boys, all while, unbeknownst to them, putting together kid-tested boxes. Shhh, don't tell them, or they might demand a salary.

3. What advice would you give to other women starting their own company?

Set a goal and commit to it. There will be people every single day who tell you that you can't do it, or other days it will feel like some obstacles are impossible to overcome. Put it in perspective - if that obstacle is the worst thing that ever happened to you in your entire life, wouldn't you still be a lucky person? See, when you look at it that way, doesn't feel so grim after all, does it?

4. Who has inspired you most?

My children are my inspiration every single day. When I'm overwhelmed, upset or tired, all I have to do is think about them, it takes just a fraction of a second - I remember a tone of their voice, or an expression on their faces from that morning, and it helps me concentrate on a big picture. After all, everything I do is all for them.

5. Where did the name Silly Rhino come from?

My husband and I lovingly called Luka our “silly monkey” from the day he was born. He quietly waited and waited, plotting his revenge. One day, when he could take no more, he surprised us and, all of a sudden, blurted out in response, “no, silly mama rhino”, followed by all the animals he could list. Well, he could barely speak at that point and, obviously, rhino is not one of the first choice words for toddlers, but from that day on, “silly rhino” became his favorite phrase and he bestowed that honor only onto the very special, select people.

​​ Silly Rhino subscription box service holds that very special place in my heart, so it is only fitting that it carries the name.

6. Is there any exciting news about your business that you want to share?

Absolutely! We try to bring new and exciting things to our subscribers all the time. I am so happy to say that your blog readers are first to find out that Silly Rhino will offer baby shower boxes in the very near future. It will be full of exceptional and unique items, and anybody will be proud to gift the box to a mommy-to-be in their lives. We promise nobody will have anything like it at the baby shower!

Check out and subscribe to Silly Rhino at: http://sillyrhino.com

Sign up by March 5th at Midnight to get this month's box!!! Use code silly10 to save 10% off of your first month!

Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SillyRhino

Want to WIN a box of your own? Enter at: http://woobox.com/54ao6n/6qxhqs